Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a New HVAC Unit
The smooth and proper functioning of an HVAC system is crucial to safeguard one’s home from excess moisture and extreme temperatures. Buying a brand-new HVAC system is a considerable monetary expense and is a long-term investment that regulates energy efficiency and upgrades one’s lifestyle.
Choosing the optimum and the perfect HVAC unit can be a complex task. One requires the proper knowledge of equipment function, efficiency standards, AC tuneup The Villages, the different system sizing, and of course, the specific individual needs.
The following guide will help the reader understand the fundamentals of air conditioners, HVAC functioning, and HVAC repair The Villages. Moreover, it guides the reader to successfully choose a new HVAC system as per personal specific requirements.
Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC systems are of different types, each with specific uses and methods of usage. Here are the different HVAC varieties:
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Furnaces:
Fossil fuels like natural gas, propane, or fuel oil are used by these furnaces. Electric furnaces are another popular choice that is at a higher range of the cost spectrum.
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Air Conditioners:
Air conditioners considered in the HVAC context are usually central air types of systems commonly used to decrease room temperature. The air conditioning service The Villages is a crucial aspect for the maintenance of the conditioners.
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Air-source Heat Pumps:
Heat pumps function by capturing heat and moving it from place to place through a refrigerant process.
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Geothermal Heat Pumps:
These pumps function by moving heat around. The pumps use the earth or a body of water as a source of capturing and releasing heat.
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Ductless Heat Pumps:
Also known as mini-splits, the pumps use an outdoor heat pump along with indoor air handling units to produce heating and cooling.
Factors To Keep in Mind
Before you buy a new HVAC unit, there are certain factors you must consider. Given below are some of them:
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Sizing
If the correct HVAC system size is not chosen for your home, it will result in malfunctioning of the same. Hence, it is crucial to know how much heating and cooling the room requires. There are factors such as the size of the home, the thermal characteristics of the area, and comfort requirements that come into play in choosing the perfect HVAC size.
With the expert guidance of Suter Air Conditioning, you, along with the advice of a professional, can select an HVAC system that perfectly meets your requirements.
The installation costs more for an oversized unit. An oversized unit can change the temperature quickly without staying long enough to control your home’s humidity, ultimately leading to the under-utilization of resources.
These units also cause frequent temperature fluctuations and distracting noises as they turn on and shut down often. The cycle of changing temperature won’t function thoroughly and may fail to dehumidify the interior of your home during the cooling season.
On the other hand, an undersized heater or air conditioner stays on for a long time without managing to change the temperature. Hence, the HVAC unit will not be able to produce the desired heating and cooling. Due to the extra stress put on it, the unit is most likely to break down or malfunction. Such conditions make it crucial for one to assess the size of the house area plus other factors and get a suitable HVAC Unit.
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Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor in selecting an HVAC system as high-efficiency units produce splendid indoor comfort at a much lower cost. High-efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps are a bit expensive, but the investment is worthwhile as these units help in saving significant amounts of energy and money.
Furnaces are classified based on Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) whereas air conditioners and heat pumps use Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for classification.
1. SEER:
Air conditioner or heat pump efficiency is indicated by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The system and the equipment are much more efficient with a higher SEER rating. A SEER rating of 14 or above is considered a high-efficiency system. The most average SEER ratings for high-efficiency equipment are 18, whereas the highest-rated systems have SEER numbers in the mid-20s.
2. AFUE:
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is the efficiency rating of heating systems of both fuel-based and electric furnaces. The AFUE governs the amount of energy in the fuel that the system consumes which is turned into usable heat. The higher AFUE number indicates more efficiency of the equipment. Electric furnaces tend to have AFUE ratings in the mid-90s or higher.
3. HSPF:
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF governs and indicates the heating processes of heat pumps. The HSPF ratings can be over 9.3 for efficient models. The HSPF rating of 8.2 or higher is a rating for a high-efficiency system.
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Features
Before purchasing an HVAC system, you must be well aware of its detailed features. This way you could choose a system for your personal needs and standards. HVAC systems include many convenient features like programmable thermostats that are controlled wirelessly and ductless systems with units of variable-speed fans. An HVAC system that includes zoning features lets the user choose a different temperature for each zone, which helps increase comfort.
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Preventive Maintenance
Once you’ve tackled the process of choosing a new HVAC system, regular preventive maintenance, and HVAC repair The Villages are essential to keep it running properly and efficiently. Keep in mind to contact a trusted HVAC service provider for a maintenance check-up at least once a year.
Spring is the best time to maintain cooling equipment and fall is the best time for maintenance for heating systems. Preventing system damage from blocked or clogged filters should be maintained by regular air filter change.
After reading this guide, the process of getting AC service The Villages is surely going to get a lot easier for homeowners. The above-mentioned factors are some of the major concerns to take into account before getting an HVAC unit installed. Get in touch with us @ (352) 787-9550 (Lake County) or @ (352) 748-3344 (Sumter County) or email us at [email protected] to schedule a service or to request an estimate as per your requirements.
